Washington Lawmakers Propose Revamping State Flag, Removing George Washington’s Image
In a move that has sparked both support and criticism, progressive lawmakers in Washington state have introduced a bill that aims to overhaul the state’s official flag, removing the image of George Washington from its design. House Bill 1938 seeks to establish a committee responsible for creating a new flag that better represents the diversity, values, and shared heritage of all Washingtonians.
Reasons for the Revamp
The current Washington state flag, adopted in 1923, has faced criticism over the years for its complex design and lack of relevance to the state’s identity. The flag features a detailed portrait of George Washington, making it difficult to reproduce and challenging to adhere to key flag design principles that prioritize simplicity.
Moreover, while George Washington is an esteemed national figure, his historical connection to Washington state is limited. This makes his image less meaningful as a symbol for the state, proponents of the bill argue.
Aesthetic Criticisms
Aesthetically, the flag is also seen as outdated and uninspired. The excessive use of colors and the overall design are considered unpleasant by some. According to the bill, "The state flag is not in keeping with modern design standards or with current values and priorities of the state."
Inclusive Representation
To address these concerns, the bill proposes creating a committee that will develop a new flag design that reflects Washington’s shared history, resources, and diverse cultural communities. The committee will include representatives from the Washington State Arts Commission, legislators, the secretary of state, a historian, designers, cultural leaders, tribal representatives, and citizen representatives from various regions of the state.
Soliciting Public Feedback
The committee will actively seek public input through outreach to schools, community organizations, tribes, public forums, virtual discussions, and online surveys. This extensive engagement will ensure that the new flag design embodies the collective spirit of Washingtonians.
Voter Approval Required
Once the committee finalizes a new design, it will be presented to the voters in the next general election. Only with voter approval will the new flag be adopted as the official symbol of Washington state.
Political Reactions
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers. Democratic State Representatives Strom Peterson, Julia Reed, and Greg Nance, who introduced the bill, believe it is time for a change that reflects the state’s progress and values.
Republican State Representative Brian Burnett, however, criticized the proposal, questioning the priorities of the legislature in light of pressing issues such as crime, homelessness, and housing affordability. He believes the focus should be on addressing these concerns rather than altering the state flag.
Next Steps
House Bill 1938 is scheduled for a public hearing before the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations on February 18. If the bill clears the committee, it will move forward for further consideration by the full House of Representatives. The outcome of the legislative process will determine the fate of the proposed flag revamp.
